The Elements of Cultural Competence

Abstract

Although Native people remain invisible to many Americans, they are clients of helping professionals, willingly or unwillingly, in disproportionate numbers. In the last decade the human services literature has reflected a demand for cultural competence; yet the elements of cultural competence have not been clearly defined for specific populations. This article reports the results of a survey of Native American social workers, nurses, and psychologists regarding their beliefs about culturally competent helping practices with Native clients. As both helping professionals and Native Americans, these respondents are in an excellent position to identify elements of culturally competent helping with this population.

Key Words:

• Cultural competence
• Native Americans
• American Indians
• diversity